St Stithians director of rugby Marc Percival has compiled a strong coaching team to help elevate the school’s rugby to unprecedented heights.

Yaldoen Vickery and Ian Rickelton will look to galvanise this year’s 1st XV, having 10 players from last years side at their disposal.

Last year the first-team squad and coaches attended the Iranz institute in New Zealand to help develop their knowledge of the game and it seems to have paid dividends.

Head boy in 2009 and 1st XV fullback Nic Hawinkels is a silky runner who is one to watch, along with livewire outside back Nkuli Gkmede.

Saints will also be looking to maintain their stronghold over derby day opponents St Johns, having done the “double” and beaten them convincingly last year. Some of the Golden Lions coaches have also been earmarked to assist in the development of the school’s rugby this year.

Saints undoubtedly hosts the biggest schoolboy Easter rugby festival of the year, when 10 schools draw massive crowds. Click here for more on this year’s festival.